Risk Factors

Burns are more common in males, and in those aged under 4 years. Other factors that may increase the chance of burns include:

Smoking

Alcohol use

Illegal drug use

Low socioeconomic status

Absent or non-functioning smoke detectors

Substandard or older housing

Unsupervised or improperly supervised children

Using tap water hotter than 120° F

Symptoms

Burn symptoms and signs vary depending on the type of burn.

Superficial Burn

Burned area turns red and is painful

The area blanches (turns white) when you press on it

The area may swell, but it is dry and there is no blistering

Superficial Partial-Thickness Burn

Blisters

The area is moist, red, and weeping

The area blanches (turns white) when you press on it

Painful to air and temperature

Deep Partial-Thickness Burn

Blisters, usually loose and easily unroofed

The area can be wet or waxy dry

The skin color can vary from patchy, to cheesy white, to red

The area does not blanch (turn white) with pressure

May or may not be painful, can perceive pressure

Full-Thickness Burn

Skin can appear waxy white, leathery gray, or charred and blackened

May not be painful if nerves have been damaged, the only sensation may be deep pressure

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask how the burn occurred and will examine the burned area.

Treatment will depend on the cause of the burn, how deep the burn is, and how much of the body the burn covers. Doctors have methods and charts to estimate the total percentage of body surface area (TBSA) affected by the injury. This estimate is age dependent. For example, the head represents a larger percentage of surface area in a baby than in an adult.

Treatment

Quick treatment is important and can lessen the damage to the tissues. First aid for minor burns may involve:

Cooling the burn with running water or a cold damp cloth. Do not use ice—this may result in more damage to the skin.

Do not use butter, grease, oils, or ointments on the burn.

Cover the burn with sterile gauze or a clean cloth.

Do not use a fluffy cloth such as a towel or blanket.

Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Do not break or pop any blisters.
This may result in an infection.

If you see signs of an infection, get medical attention. Signs of infection include:

Increased pain

Redness

Fever

Swelling

Oozing of pus

Once a minor burn is completely cooled, you can consider using a fragrance-free lotion or moisturizer to prevent drying and make the area more comfortable.

For more serious burns, like deep partial-thickness or full-thickness burns, seek medical attention or call emergency medical services. Until an emergency unit arrives:

Do not take off any clothing that is stuck to the burn.

Make sure the victim is not near, or in contact with, any smoldering materials or exposed to further smoke or heat.

Do not soak the burn in water, but you can cover the area with a cool, moist sterile bandage or clean cloth.

As with any severe injury, make sure the person is breathing and administer
CPR
if necessary.

Hospitalization

A doctor will decide if hospitalization is necessary based on many factors. These include age, the cause of the burn, and the extent and depth of the burn. Reasons to hospitalize a person who has more than a minor burn may include:

Prevention

Most burns are the result of accidents. To help reduce the chance of burns:

Teach
children
about fire prevention and keep dangerous materials out of reach.

Make sure smoke detectors are installed and in working order. Replace batteries twice a year. One way to remember to do this is to change the batteries the same days you change the clocks for daylight savings and standard times.

When cooking, keep pot handles turned toward the back of the stove.

Supervise young children in the kitchen and around fireworks.

Set the temperature on the water heater to less than 120° F and test the bath water before your child gets in.

Make sure children’s sleepwear is flame-resistant.

Don’t hold children in your arms or lap while cooking, serving, or eating hot foods or liquids.

Do not leave matches, lighters, candles, or burning cigarettes unattended.

Wear protective gloves and clothing when handling caustic chemicals.

Put protective covers on electrical outlets.

Do not wear loose-fitting sleeves while cooking.

Keep children and pets away from the stove while cooking.

Make sure electrical cords are not hanging over the edge of countertops.

Store chemicals and cleaners in a locked cabinet.

Children younger than one year can sustain partial-thickness burns from hot seat belt straps or buckles in car seats. Make sure car seats are not hot before putting a child in the seat. If you park in the sun, cover the seat with a towel.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

First aid for burns. American Academy of Pediatrics Healthy Children website.
Available at:
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/all-around/Pages/First-Aid-For-Burns.aspx. Updated September 2, 2014. Accessed November 3, 2014.